Tool carrier and seam weight

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in the installation of floor covering and, more particularly, to a tool carrier and seam weight effective for carrying working tools as well as for operating as a seaming weight during installation of floor covering. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool carrier and seam weight comprises a tool box for applying pressure along a newly formed seam and having a covering plate mounted thereon which is effective for dissipating heat from the seam. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool carrier and seam weight comprises a tool box having a tool tray for applying pressure along a newly formed seam and having a covering plate mounted thereon which is effective for dissipating heat from the seam.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for use in the installation of floor covering and, more particularly, to an apparatus that can be used for carrying working tools as well as for use as a seaming weight in the installation of floor covering.

[0002] It is well known in the flooring industry that a rugged and functional tool box is important. Professional flooring installers, particularly when paid a flat-fee for their work, seek to decrease the time they must spend on the job. Conventional tool boxes used in the flooring industry have only one general purpose, that is, they provide a means for the storage, transportation, and retrieval of numerous tools and miscellaneous items necessary for the installer to properly perform his trade.

[0003] Various types of flooring, such as carpet or vinyl, often require separate adjacent pieces of material to be connected along a seam formed along the butting edges of the pieces. It is common for installers to use seaming tape, having hot melt adhesive applied to the upper surface of a backing material along the length of the edges of the flooring material, to join the backing to the floor. A hot iron is moved longitudinally along the length of the seaming tape to melt the adhesive while the backing of the flooring material is pressed down onto the tape with the edges of the flooring material abutting, thereby forming a closely fitted seam as the adhesive cools.

[0004] In order to reduce the risk of separation or lifting of the flooring material from the floor, it is important for the flooring material to be properly set while the adhesive cools and dries. Consequently, various weight devices, such as tool box trays, large pieces of wood, metallic weights having handles for manually moving the weight, have been used for compressing the flooring material for a period of time after the flooring has been laid until the adhesive has dried. Such compression has been found to smooth the adhesive and improves the adhesion between the flooring material and the floor.

[0005] One problem associated with such weights, such as a seam weight, is that it requires the installer to purchase an extra tool as well as requiring the installer to carry the tool from job to job. Using weighted objects, such as a conventional tool box or tray, is often undesirable because the tool box or trade often has sharp edges which can snag or tear certain types of flooring. Further, such tool boxes and trays are conventionally formed from a metal or a plastic material which can trap heat and is not recommended for use in as a contact surface for a seaming weight and can also leave marks on the flooring due to the color of the tool box or tool tray or due to rusting.

[0006] Consequently, a need exists for a tool carrier for storing and transporting the tools of a flooring installer, which is relatively inexpensive, will not snag or discolor the flooring, and which can also be used as a seam weight thereby eliminating the need of an additional tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The apparatus of the present invention is a tool carrier and seam weight for carrying tools and for use in seaming, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool carrier and seam weight comprises a tool box for carrying tools and having a covering plate which is effective for dissipating heat from the seam.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool carrier and seam weight further comprises a tool tray.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the tool tray includes a covering plate.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the covering plate is formed from wood.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the covering plate is formed from metal.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the tool box has at least one storage drawer.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the outer edges of the covering plate are rounded.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the outer edges of the covering plate extend over the bottom portion of the tool box.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool carrier and seam weight comprises a tool box and a tool tray, the tool tray having a covering plate which is effective for dissipating heat from the seam.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the outer edges of the covering plate extend over the bottom portion of the tool tray.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the covering plate includes a layer of anti-friction material.

[0018] A primary object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a tool carrier and seam weight for use in seaming

[0019] Another primary object of the present invention is to provide apparatus which is effective for improving the physical properties of a seam.

[0020] Another primary object of the invention is to provide a tool carrier which can be used for applying pressure to a seam during the seaming process.

[0021] Another primary object of the present invention is to provide a tool carrier which can be used to dissipate heat during the seaming process.

[0022] Another primary object of the present invention is to provide a tool carrier and seam weight which will not stain flooring.

[0023] Another primary object of the present invention is to provide a tool carrier and seam weight which will not snag or catch on flooring material during the seaming process.

[0024] Another primary object of the present invention is to provide a covering plate which can be easily slid along the seam being formed.

[0025] Another primary object of the present invention is to provide a covering plate which can be easily attached and removed.

[0026] Another primary object of the present invention is to eliminate the need of an installer requiring a separate tool carrier and a separate seam apparatus.

[0027] Another primary object of the present invention is to provide an relatively inexpensive apparatus effective for carrying tools and for applying pressure and dissipating heat during the seaming process.

[0028] Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029]FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the tool carrier and seam weight of the present invention, showing the tool box and a lid, the lid being in its open position;

[0030]FIG. 2 is a front, perspective view of the tool carrier and seam weight of FIG. 1, showing the lid being in its closed position;

[0031]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, showing the handle in its non-use, nested position;

[0032]FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the tool carrier and seam weight of FIG. 1 showing the covering plate mounted to the tool box and having rounded edges;

[0033]FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the tool carrier and seam weight of the present invention showing the covering plate mounted to the tool box and extending over the bottom edge portions of the tool box;

[0034]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the tool carrier and seam weight showing a tool box and a tool tray;

[0035]FIG. 7 is side view of the tool tray of FIG. 6 with the handle removed;

[0036]FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the tool tray of FIG. 6 showing a covering plate mounted to the tool tray and having rounded edges;

[0037]FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the tool tray of FIG. 6 showing the covering plate extending over the bottom edge portions of the tool tray;

[0038]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing adjacent carpet pieces being laid along a floor and having a hot-melt adhesive being applied and heated to form a seam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in the installation of floor covering and, more particularly, to a combination tool carrier and seam weight effective for carrying working tools as well as for operating as a seaming weight during installation of floor covering.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the tool carrier and seam weight, generally designated 100, is shown comprising a tool box 102 and a lid 104. The tool box 102 includes integral first and second side walls 106 and 108, respectively, a front wall 110, a bottom wall 112, and a rear wall 114 which cooperate to define an interior compartment 116. The upper ends of side walls 106 and 108, front wall 110, and rear wall 114 terminate in a common horizontal plane and define an open end, generally designated as 118. Access to tools and the like, stored in the interior compartment 116 may be readily had through the open end 118. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool box 102 and the lid 104 are formed from a molded plastic using conventional injection molding techniques. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool box 102 and the lid 104 are formed from metal, such as aluminum or any other light weight material.

[0041] As shown, the lid 104 is connected to the tool box 102 by a plurality of spaced hinges 120. The hinges 120 are arranged so that the lid 104 can be pivoted about a horizontal axis, adjacent to the upper edge 122 of the rear wall 114, between a closed portion, such as shown in FIG. 2, where the lid overlies and covers the upper open end 118, and an open position, such as shown in FIG. 1, where the lid 104 is disposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the open end 118. It should be understood that the particular hinge selected can be readily selected from a plurality of conventional hinges known by those skilled in the art for use in tool boxes.

[0042] Preferably, a pair of conventional latch assemblies 124 are mounted to the upper edge 126 of the front wall 110 of the tool box 102. The latch assemblies 124 cooperate with locking projections 128, integrally formed on the lid 104, to latch the lid in its closed position when desired. It should be understood that the particular latch assembly or assemblies selected can be readily selected form a plurality of conventional latch assemblies known by those skilled in the art for use in tool boxes.

[0043] Connected to the central part of the upper portion of the lid 104 is a conventional handle 130 typically used with tool boxes. Preferably the lid 104 includes a recess 132 integrally formed therein. The handle 130 is adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal axis between a first position, as shown in FIG. 2, where the handle 130 may be grasped to carry the tool carrier and seam weight 100 and a second position, such as shown in FIG. 3, where the handle 130, when not in use, is nested within the recess 132.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool box 102 can be formed top accommodate one or more conventional storage drawers 134 which can be disposed within corresponding openings 136 which permit the drawers 134 to slide within and respect to the tool box 102. Each drawer 134 includes a conventional handle 138 to permit the drawer 134 to be pulled into an open position, as shown in FIG. 1, for access to tools and the like stored within the drawer 134 and pushed into a closed position, as shown in FIG. 2, for securing the tools and the like within the drawer 134.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool carrier and seam weight 100 is provided with an outer covering plate 140 having an inner face 142 adjacently aligned with the outer face 144 of the bottom wall 112 of the tool box 102 and a generally flat and smooth outer face 146. Preferably, the covering plate 140 is removably secured in place against the outer face 144 of the bottom wall 112 by a plurality of recessed screws 149 threaded into threaded apertures 150 in the bottom wall 112 of the tool box 102. It should be understood, however, that other forms of attachment, such as permanent means such as by glue, rivets, or by other removable means such as by hook and loop means, such as sold by the American Velcro Company under the trademark “VELCRO,” may be used to attach the covering plate 140 to the bottom wall 112 of the tool box 102. Preferably the covering plate 140 is formed from wood, as recommended by the Carpet and Rug Institute having a thickness from about 0.25 in. to about 0.50 in. ( about 0.6 cm to about 1.3 cm), however other materials such as a material selected from the group consisting wood, plastic, glass, paper, or a coated insulated metal which is effective for rapidly dissipating heat may be used. The outer face 146 of the covering plate 140 may also include a layer or coating 141 of an antifriction material such as a wax or polymers of tetrafluoroethylene and copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene (A commercial embodiment of one such coating is offered by RI DuPont de Nemours under the trademark “TEFLON”).

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer edges 152 of the covering plate 140 are rounded to prevent or reduce the possibility of the covering plate 140 from catching or being snagged by the carpet being seamed, as later described. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer edges 152 of the covering plate 140 are rounded and extend over the bottom edge portions of the side walls 106 and 108, front wall 110, and rear wall 114 (FIG. 1) of the tool box 102.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the tool carrier and seam weight 100 includes a tool tray 154 which is adapted to fit within the interior compartment 116 formed withing the tool box 102 and engaging or resting upon an inwardly extending flange or lip 156. As shown, the tool tray 154 is substantially rectangular and includes first and second side walls 158 and 160, respectively, a front wall 162, a rear wall 164 and a bottom wall 166 which define a tray cavity, generally designated 168. The tool tray 154 further includes a pair of substantially triangular flanges 170 which extend from the side walls 158 and 160 away from the bottom wall 166. A handle 172 spans the tray cavity 168 and is suitably attached to the flanges 170, such as by screws, rivets, and the like.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the tool tray 154 is provided with an outer covering plate 176 having an inner face 178 adjacently aligned with the outer face 180 of the bottom wall 166 of the tool tray 154 and a generally flat and smooth outer face 182. Preferably, the covering plate 176 is removably secured in place against the outer face 180 of the bottom wall 166 by a plurality of screws 184 threaded into threaded apertures 186 in the bottom wall 166 of the tool tray 154. It should be understood, however, that other forms of attachment, such as permanent means such as glue, rivets, or by removable means such as hook and loop means, such as sold by the American Velcro Company under the trademark “VELCRO,” may be used to attach the covering plate 176 to the bottom wall 166 of the tool tray 154. Preferably the covering plate 176 is formed from wood having a thickness from about 0.25 in. to about 0.50 in. ( about 0.6 cm to about 1.3 cm), however other materials such as a plastic effective for rapidly dissipating heat may be used. The outer face 182 of the covering plate 176 may also include a layer or a coating 185 of an anti-friction material such as a wax or polymers of tetrafluoroethylene and copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene (A commercial embodiment of one such coating is offered by RI DuPont de Nemours under the trademark “TEFLON”).

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 8, the outer edges 188 of the covering plate 176 are rounded to prevent or reduce the possibility of the covering plate 176 from catching or being snagged by the carpet being seamed, as later described. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer edges 188 of the covering plate 176 are rounded and extend over the bottom edge portions of the side walls 158 and 160, front wall 162, and rear wall 164 (FIG. 6) of the tool tray 154.

[0050] To understand how the parts above described are interrelated, the operation of the tool carrier and seam weight 100 will now be described. During flooring installation, as shown in FIG. 10, flooring pieces 190, such as carpet pieces, to be joined are laid onto the floor F with the flooring backing 192 facing the floor F. Typically, a strip of tape 194 extends along the abutting edges of the flooring pieces 190 and has a heat-sensitive adhesive 196 or other hot-melt substance, on its side which is contacting the flooring backing 192. A hot iron I is then is then moved longitudinally along the length of the abutting edges 194 of the flooring pieces 190 to melt the adhesive and form a seam S. As the iron I is moved along the abutting edges 194 of the flooring pieces 190, the installer (not shown) moves the tool box 102 of the tool carrier and seam weight 100 having a covering plate 140 such as shown in FIGS. 4 or 5, or the tool tray 154 having a covering plate 176 as shown in FIGS. 7 or 8, along the formed seam S to apply pressure against the seam S to smooth the adhesive 196 and to dissipate heat rapidly away from the formed seam S to ensure better affixation of the flooring pieces 190 to the floor F.

[0051] It should now be apparent that the tool carrier and seam weight of the present invention is a cost effective and time effective means of reducing the risk of bubbles or ripples forming along the seam S and the possibility of seam separation.

[0052] It should also now be apparent to those skilled in the art that the use of covering plates reduces the risk of leaving marks, such as rust marks, on the flooring or snagging of the flooring during installation.

[0053] It should also now be apparent that the tool carrier and seam weight of the present invention is effective for applying pressure along the seam to be formed as well as effectively dissipating heat.

[0054] It should also now be apparent that the tool carrier and seam weight of the present invention is not limited to carpet flooring, but can be used for a seam weight for other types of flooring. Further, the tool carrier and seaming weight of the present invention is not limited for use by flooring installers. The use of a smooth, relatively soft covering plate permits easy cleaning thereby reducing or preventing the tool box or tray from marking other surfaces, such as flooring, counter tops, and the like, thus making the tool carrier and seam weight desirable for most professions requiring the use of a tool boxes and the like.

[0055] While the apparatus described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool carrier and seam weight for carrying tools and for use in seaming comprising: a tool box having a covering plate, said covering plate effective for dissipating heat from the seam.
 2. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said covering plate is formed from wood.
 3. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said covering plate is formed from a material selected from the group consisting wood, plastic, glass, paper, or a coated insulated metal.
 4. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said tool box includes at least one storage drawer.
 5. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein the outer edges of said covering plate are rounded.
 6. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said edges of said covering plate are rounded and extend over the bottom portion of the tool box.
 7. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said covering plate having a layer of anti-friction material.
 8. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 1 wherein said covering plate is removably attached to said tool box.
 9. A tool carrier and seam weight for carrying tools and for use in seaming comprising: a tool box and a tool tray, wherein said tool tray having a covering plate, said covering plate effective for dissipating heat from the seam.
 10. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said covering plate is formed from wood.
 11. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said covering plate is formed from a material selected from the group consisting wood, plastic, glass, paper, or a coated insulated metal.
 12. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said tool box includes at least one storage drawer.
 13. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein the outer edges of said covering plate are rounded.
 14. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said edges of said covering plate are rounded and extend over the bottom portion of the tool tray.
 15. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said covering plate having a layer of anti-friction material.
 16. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 9 wherein said covering plate is removably attached to said tool box.
 17. A tool carrier and seam weight for carrying tools and for use in seaming comprising: a tool box and a tool tray, wherein said tool tray and tool tray each having a covering plate, said covering plate effective for dissipating heat from the seam-.
 18. The tool carrier and seam weight of claim 17 wherein said covering plate having a layer of anti-friction material. 